Examine the causes and consequences of peasants uprising during the reign of Aurangzeb.

Causes of Peasant Uprisings

The peasant uprisings during Aurangzeb’s reign were multifaceted, stemming from a combination of long-term structural issues and short-term policy failures. These can be broadly categorized as follows:

Economic Grievances

• Land Revenue Policies: Aurangzeb’s attempts to enforce a stricter land revenue system, based on the zabti system (assessment based on measurement), often led to excessive demands and hardship for peasants. The system was prone to corruption by local officials.
• Increased Taxation: To finance his prolonged Deccan campaigns, Aurangzeb increased taxes on various commodities, including agricultural produce. This burden fell disproportionately on the peasantry.
• Exploitation by Jagirdars and Zamindars: The Mughal administrative system relied heavily on jagirdars (holders of land grants) and zamindars (land revenue collectors). These intermediaries often exploited peasants through illegal levies and oppressive practices.
• Famines: Frequent famines, exacerbated by administrative failures and economic exploitation, pushed peasants to the brink of desperation.

Religious Policies

• Religious Orthodoxy: Aurangzeb’s policies aimed at enforcing Islamic orthodoxy, including the reimposition of the jizya (tax on non-Muslims) in 1679, alienated the Hindu population and fueled resentment.
• Destruction of Temples: The destruction of temples, though debated in its extent, contributed to a sense of insecurity and injustice among Hindus.
• Discrimination: Restrictions on the employment of Hindus in high government positions further exacerbated religious tensions.

Political and Social Factors

• Weakening of Central Authority: Aurangzeb’s prolonged absence in the Deccan weakened central control and allowed local officials to act with impunity.
• Tribal Uprisings: Tribal communities, particularly in the forested regions, resisted Mughal expansion and interference in their traditional way of life.
• Rise of Regional Powers: The emergence of regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats provided alternative centers of authority and inspired peasant resistance.

Major Peasant Uprisings

Several significant uprisings occurred during Aurangzeb’s reign:

Uprising	Region	Year(s)	Leader(s)	Cause
Satnamis	Haryana, Punjab	1672	Naurang Rai	Religious and economic grievances
Jat Uprising	Mathura, Agra	1669-1688	Gokula	High land revenue, religious policies
Sikh Uprising	Punjab	1675-1708	Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh	Religious persecution, political autonomy
Maratha Resistance	Maharashtra	1674-1707	Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj	Mughal expansion, religious policies, economic exploitation

Consequences of Peasant Uprisings

• Administrative Reorganization: The uprisings forced Aurangzeb to undertake administrative reforms, including the appointment of more reliable officials and attempts to curb corruption. However, these reforms were often ineffective.
• Economic Strain: The constant rebellions drained the Mughal treasury and disrupted agricultural production, leading to economic hardship.
• Weakening of Mughal Authority: The uprisings significantly weakened Mughal authority, particularly in the provinces. This created opportunities for regional powers to assert their independence.
• Rise of Regional Powers: The rebellions facilitated the rise of regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats, who challenged Mughal dominance.
• Deccan Fatigue: Aurangzeb’s prolonged campaigns in the Deccan, partly fueled by the need to suppress rebellions, exhausted the Mughal army and treasury, contributing to the empire’s decline.